Pre op weight loss effect

[ConnCT 9]

For those who lost weight BEFORE surgery- are you seeing as rapid loss as research has showed or recommended AFTER surgery?

I’m very aware that everyone is different and will lose at different paces, however my dietician has suggested that my pre-surgery weight loss may be contributing to slower rate of loss post surgery.

I lost 40 lbs before surgery, 23 lbs 5 weeks post op. Was hoping to see greater weekly losses following surgery, it’s just not happening.

Any insight appreciated!

[BlueIGT 84]

I lost about 33 pounds prior to surgery. Close to 14 from pre-op liquid diet. Like you I am aware that people lose at different paces but I also feel like I am slower than most that had a similar surgery date and starting weight. I did however notice that most that were ahead of me didn't do the liquid diet.

Looking back at my app I was down 12.8 at week 5. I am 5 days shy of 5 months out and am down 49.1. So averaging roughly 10 a month, I can live with that. I hoped it would be more but I still have plenty of time to get down there.

[Lynnlovesthebeach 625]

I lost about 30 lbs pre-op and now 105 from my highest wt of 235. My WLS starting wt was 229 and my day of surgery wt was 203. I thought I'd be able to get to goal in 6 months but it took me 8 1/2. I never stressed out at how fast I lost. My philosophy is time is going to pass anyway and I'll get there eventually. It's not a race and the wt doesn't fall off overnight as so many people think. Try to take your time and develop good eating habits and don't stress out about it. If your are following the guidelines you were given and doing your best you can't ask for more than that! Good luck!

[ConnCT 9]

8 hours ago, BlueIGT said:

I lost about 33 pounds prior to surgery. Close to 14 from pre-op liquid diet. Like you I am aware that people lose at different paces but I also feel like I am slower than most that had a similar surgery date and starting weight. I did however notice that most that were ahead of me didn't do the liquid diet.

Looking back at my app I was down 12.8 at week 5. I am 5 days shy of 5 months out and am down 49.1. So averaging roughly 10 a month, I can live with that. I hoped it would be more but I still have plenty of time to get down there.

BlueIGT- I too did the liquid diet- just for one week pre-op.

I am seeing the same rate of loss as you- 10lbs/month. I think I’m frustrated because after years with weight watchers, it’s the same rate of loss with their program- 10lbs/month...making me wonder what needs to be done to get more out of my surgery.

Thanks for feedback.

[catwoman7 11,173]

you don't lose as much the first month because the first month is a lot of "water weight", which you've already lost. Other than that, I'm guessing it's about the same. I lost 57 lbs pre-op, and I still ended up losing 100% of my excess weight.

[ConnCT 9]

2 hours ago, catwoman7 said:

you don't lose as much the first month because the first month is a lot of "water weight", which you've already lost. Other than that, I'm guessing it's about the same. I lost 57 lbs pre-op, and I still ended up losing 100% of my excess weight.

catwoman7- wow- congratulations! would you share how long it took you to lose 100% of the excess weight?

Did you see a steady 10lbs/month throughout that time?

Thanks for the info.

[catwoman7 11,173]

1 minute ago, ConnCT said:

catwoman7- wow- congratulations! would you share how long it took you to lose 100% of the excess weight?

Did you see a steady 10lbs/month throughout that time?

Thanks for the info.

it took 18-20 months. I lost 16 lbs the first month, then about 10 lbs (give or take) until about month 6. Then it dropped down to about 8 lbs - then down to like 5. After the first year, it was only 2 or 3 lbs a month. But I was very compliant with my program - I almost never went off - and the weight kept gradually dropping.

[BlueIGT 84]

16 hours ago, ConnCT said:

BlueIGT- I too did the liquid diet- just for one week pre-op.

I am seeing the same rate of loss as you- 10lbs/month. I think I’m frustrated because after years with weight watchers, it’s the same rate of loss with their program- 10lbs/month...making me wonder what needs to be done to get more out of my surgery.

Thanks for feedback.

I know that I lost faster prior on my own. But how many times did I go down only to go back up and then some. My hope is that with this tool I will get down there again and be able to successfully maintain it. It's ingrained in my head that I did not go through all this to put it back on, and I truly believe that will be enough to keep my head in the right frame of mind.

Even it takes a while @catwoman7 is proof that it can be done if we stick to it. I have hit some stalls and found I needed to increase either my calorie intake or my Water intake to get things moving again.

All the best to you.